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Queen of the Damned: Part Two

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For the bookish girlies who love dark romance, poor life choices, and have their therapist on speed dial...

Previously in Queen of the Damned:
I escaped the insane asylum. Then, I found them. The five masked men who killed my abusive ex and dragged me into their mine for a brutal initiation. I survived. I took my revenge. Then, I ran.

BRIELLA
But they hunted me down—breaking me—just to bring me back. Not to trap me, but to keep me.
Three days unconscious. Three days of rebuilding my body, my mind, my strength.
I am no longer just a survivor. I am their Queen. I kneel because I choose to, and I not a victim, but a survivor.

And just when I accept my place…my past comes back. The Prophet is closing in, ready to shatter the chains and drag me from the monsters I love. He wants me as a slave. But I will never kneel. I am the Queen of the Damned.

THE DAMNED
We are not heroes. We are the monsters that keep the dark at bay.

The Alpha—a psychopath with a moral compass of loyalty and kinship.
The Doctor—who stitches wounds and breaks bones with equal precision.
The Fighter—the quiet guardian who became her ultimate shield.
The Butcher—the rabid dog who provides and destroys in equal measure.
The Axeman—who laughs while splitting any man who dares touch his Queen.

She no longer just survives with us. She bleeds with us. She rules with us.

If she’s a monster, then we’re the ones who gave her teeth.

And if the past tries to steal her back? We won’t just burn the world. We’ll keep it burning forever—so she may feel its heat.

~ The soul-shattering sequel to Queen of the Damned. A contemporary why-choose romance where the monsters don’t just protect the girl—they teach her to own the darkness herself. For mature readers who find home in the shadows.

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

35 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Emily Shore

9 books57 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Myrna.
26 reviews
February 23, 2026
**ARC READ**

Part two was just as good as part one, if not better simply for the fact that you truly got into what makes each character the way they are. And, honestly, the face reveals in the chapter arts because holy hot tamale!

Briella found herself in a position that required her to once again rise from the ashes of her past and stand strong in the truth of who she really is: Queen of the Damned (gods and monsters, heh).

Seeing the way the MMCs grew to love her from book one to book two, how she became their lifeline, was absolutely amazing and well written. And the face off!!!! Oh my goodness, I knew it was coming but I never could have expected the way it turned out.

With a HEA, I was pleased with how this two part book ended and wouldn’t hesitate to read another book by Emily.
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
739 reviews20 followers
March 25, 2026
Do not even think about diving into part two without reading the first. You. Will. Be. Lost. This sequel doesn’t ease you in; it drags you straight back into a brutal, fast-paced storm of dark, obsessive emotion that never lets up. The intensity is almost disorienting, leaving you questioning how you became so consumed but that’s the trap. The five men are dangerously compelling, their manipulation and control pushing every boundary, making this a story not meant for the faint of heart. Yet it works because of the depth each character is layered, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. And Briella stands at the center of it all: fierce, scarred, and resilient, a survivor who demands both respect and empathy. This is a dark romance that doesn’t shy away from its shadows, binding devotion and danger into something intoxicatingly powerful where love doesn’t just survive the darkness, it thrives within it.
Profile Image for Libby DeLira.
29 reviews
March 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, Devastating, and Deeply Healing 🖤🔥

There are trigger warnings which is what captured my interest from the get go. The tricky part is that they can involve spoilers, so it’s hard to say “go in blind” when this story is so dark and your mental health comes first. That said, if you’ve read Part One, you’re likely prepared for what’s ahead. And you have to read the first book before this one or you will be lost.. There is no gentle reintroduction here. This sequel throws you straight back into the story in a fast paced and engaging way.

The five men are dangerously compelling. Their manipulation, their control—they push every boundary, making this a story not meant for the faint of heart. But what makes it work is the depth. Each character has their own personality with complicated and nuanced layers, magnetic personalities, witty banter, and impossible to ignore. Their backstories feel intentional and true to who they are, revealed in a way that never feels overwhelming or forced.

And the Damned… they’re even more complex here. We see beyond the violence, beyond the masks. Their loyalty to each other, their devotion, the way they love in the only way they know how—it’s brutal, messy, and somehow still beautiful. Each broken jagged piece of their character somehow perfectly connects with each other.
Briella’s journey stands out the most. She had the least protection, the least support—she was truly alone—and that made her growth hit even harder. Watching her claw her way back, piece by piece, is both heartbreaking and empowering.

I loved the banter between Red and Bri, and the chemistry between Seth and Rory was easily a highlight—the push and pull, the calm and the beast… so good. Seth and Red’s arcs were especially touching, and seeing Briella evolve from where she started to where she ends up? Absolutely devastating in the best way.What truly surprised me in Part Two was the emotional depth. Beneath all the chaos, darkness, and toxicity, there’s something else—healing. There’s reclamation. There’s a woman taking back every piece of herself that was stolen. The ending felt earned. Cathartic. Like closure after surviving something massive.

The world-building plays a huge role in that immersion. It’s dark, vivid, and consuming—pulling you completely out of reality and into something twisted yet captivating. You don’t just read this story—you live it, feel it, survive it alongside the characters.

If you love dark why-choose romances where the men are unapologetic monsters and the heroine doesn’t just get protected—she becomes powerful in her own right (a women who can go toe to toe with her men and is an equal who can stand strong on her own.—this book will wreck you in the best way.

Check your triggers. Or in my case look over your check list 😂😉. 😮‍💨

An unforgettable, brutal, and ultimately wonderful ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for C. Marie.
197 reviews
February 20, 2026
3.5 stars. ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I think it is a decent sequel to part 1 and it was definitely a book that was needed as it delves into each character's pasts and trauma and how it came back to haunt them. Also don't read the new triggers if you don't want major spoilers, this book isn't as dark as the last so I'd say don't do it for the best experience.

I liked all their backstories, it felt logical to their personality and who they are and the way it was revealed wasn't too bad either, didn't feel like word vomiting. I would say Bri had it the worst though because she didn't have other people to depend on and to protect her. She was alone. I also enjoyed the banter betw Red and Bri, and also the chemistry betw Seth and Rory, honestly it was the best one out of the duet. The push and pull and the calm and the beast. UGH so good. Red is def my fav character tho, then Vincent then Bri maybe. I don't care too much for Jude or Seth or Raphael, the latter I have a love and hate relationship with. I guess I still can't forgive him for what he did to her in the beginning of this book, as the damage was permanent and how he rubs it in lol. But I do see how it can be a morbidly poetic thing he has going on. I liked the ending and epilogue and all the holidays features in this book, made me a bit emotional at the christmas scene.

I again wish it was darker but hey it works. I also wish some of the plot details were flushed out more, like I was wondering about some of the details and stuff. I also wished we had a bit more foreshadowing of Bri's past and that twist Raphael and her had in book 1. And Idk my biggest complaint is still the overly dramatic phrases of describing their relationships and each other. All the queens, devils, gods, and repetitive adjectives and nouns were so cringy and I skipped over them as best as I could. Maybe I am just a simple girl but it could be someone else's cup of tea.

But I think anyone who enjoyed part one would also enjoy this book! Thanks again for the ARC!
Profile Image for Persephone  Roze.
172 reviews
March 27, 2026
First and foremost, check yourself. There are trigger warnings and they are important, but they also involve spoilers. It's hard to say go in blind when this is dark and your mental health is important. On this note, I will say if you've read the first one, you're probably good. And, you should definitely read the first one before this one. No question. There is no ease of passage, it dives back in hard and brutal.

Now for the book itself. I love Emily Shore, she always delivers for me, speaks to trauma deep within me, and makes me feel heard/seen in ways I didn't know I needed. Briella and the damned are something. They are beautiful souls and they do get their HEA.

I will say that I preferred the first book to this one. I will also caveat that this felt less like RH and more like Poly, but that was just my thoughts. The other piece that I really struggled with was Rafael. I felt like he was so overinflated the entire book. I also felt like his monologues were all the same and they got so tedious very early on. I started skimming them a bit because they dragged. I don't feel like he ever displays any accountability and the reality is he maims her permanently. He doesn't have to deal with any sort of consequences or repercussions for any of his actions which are not team player like at all. They don't allude to his whole family mantra and that really bothered.

Otherwise thought, I love some of the characters. Seth and Red are adorable and their arcs are beautiful. Briella comes a long way from her beginning roots. Her journey is absolutely brutal and the reality of their obsession with each other is thrilling. This was wicked and soul crushing but accomplished everything it needed to, as always. Brutal, devestating, emotionally toxic, but with a full rebirth.
Profile Image for Destiny Wilson.
38 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dark, Devastating, and Deeply Healing 🖤🔥

Queen of the Damned: Part Two by Emily Shore is hands down the best possible conclusion to this twisted, soul-consuming story.

From the very first book, I was already hooked—but Part Two? It took everything to a whole new level. As a whole, this duet was mind-bending, earth-shattering, and completely soul-snatching… yet so redemptive. 🖤

Briella’s transformation in this installment is what truly made it unforgettable. She’s no longer just surviving—she’s choosing. Choosing the darkness. Choosing her monsters. Choosing her power. Watching her rise into the Queen she was always meant to be felt raw, intense, and strangely empowering. She kneels because she wants to. She stands because she can. That evolution? Absolutely everything. 👑🔥

And the Damned… each of them felt even more layered in this book. We get a deeper look into who they are beneath the violence, beneath the masks. Their loyalty, their devotion, the way they love in the only way they know how—it’s brutal, messy, and somehow beautiful. This isn’t a soft romance. It’s sharp edges and blood-stained promises. But it works.

The emotional depth in Part Two really surprised me. Beneath the chaos and darkness, there’s healing. There’s reclamation. There’s a woman taking back every piece of herself that was stolen. The ending felt earned. It felt cathartic. It felt like closure after surviving something massive. 🩶

If you love dark why-choose romances where the men are unapologetic monsters and the heroine doesn’t just get protected—she becomes powerful in her own right—this book will wreck you in the best way.

Check your triggers. Hold onto your heart. And maybe keep your therapist on speed dial. 😅🖤

An unforgettable, brutal, and ultimately healing finale.
Profile Image for Leisel.
762 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2026
First—don’t even contemplate reading this without having read part one.
You will be completely lost.

Part two doesn’t just pick up where things left off—it launches straight back into the same relentless, fast-paced momentum of this dark and wild reverse harem romance. From the very first page, there’s no time to breathe. You’re thrown straight into an emotionally charged whirlwind that keeps tightening its grip the deeper you go.

At times, you may even find yourself wondering how you got pulled so completely into this story—questioning the author’s ability to weave something so intense, so consuming. But that’s exactly the hook.
That said, readers absolutely need to take the trigger warnings seriously. The level of manipulation and emotional pressure these five devilishly captivating men exert will push your comfort zones in ways that won’t be for everyone.
What makes it work, though, is the characters. Each one is intriguing, layered, and strangely compelling—you don’t just read about them, you connect with them. Their backstories add depth and clarity, making the overall dynamic even more gripping.

And then there’s Briella. She is brilliantly written—a true survivor. Strong, guarded, and resilient, yet still carrying a vulnerability that makes her feel real and admirable. She commands your respect while still pulling at your emotions.
This is undeniably a dark romance that explores heavy themes, but it’s also wrapped in an intense sense of devotion and connection that keeps you invested.
My favourite concept? “Light punishment, heavy in worship.”

Tread carefully, take a breath when you need to—and above all, let yourself believe in the power of a love that thrives even in darkness.
Profile Image for Jade Godfrey.
64 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader and Emily definitely didn’t disappoint for part 2

Make sure to read part 1 or it won’t make sense.
Queen of the Damned: Part 2 doesn’t just lean into dark romance—it drags you under and makes you enjoy it. This isn’t about survival anymore. It’s about power, control, and the kind of transformation that leaves nothing soft behind.

Briella isn’t the same girl from book one, and honestly, she’s not supposed to be. She’s done being the victim, done running, and fully stepping into something dangerous. Watching her choose darkness instead of fighting it is unsettling in the best way , she’s stronger, colder and far more ruthless, and it’s impossible not to be pulled in by it.

The Damned? Completely unhinged. Brutal, obsessive, and walking the line between protective and possessive in a way that feels almost toxic but that’s what makes it so addictive. Their loyalty to Briella isn’t sweet, it’s consuming and it adds to that chaotic “found family, but make it hellish” energy.

And just when you think it can’t get worse, The Prophet lingers, dragging everything back to where it started and cranking the tension higher. There’s no peace here, just constant pressure, danger, and the sense that everything could snap at any second.

This book is messy, intense, and unapologetically dark. It doesn’t try to soften anything and that’s exactly why it works. If you want something light, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that claws its way into your head and refuses to let go, this delivers. 🖤🔥
Profile Image for Becca.
485 reviews85 followers
February 21, 2026
ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Queen of the Damned: Part 2 is pure dark romance chaos in the best possible way: bloody, emotional, and unapologetically intense. If book one was about survival, this sequel is about becoming something dangerous.

Briella’s transformation is the heart of this story. She’s no longer just the girl who escaped and fought back, she’s fully stepping into her role as Queen, choosing her place among the Damned instead of being forced into it. That shift from victim to ruler is powerful and honestly addictive to read. You feel her strength, her rage, and her fierce loyalty to the men who rebuilt her when she was shattered.

The Damned themselves are just as wild and compelling each one brutal, twisted, and strangely protective. Their devotion to Briella is dark, obsessive, and intense, and it gives the book that twisted “found family in hell” vibe that dark romance lovers eat up. And then there’s The Prophet looming in the background, dragging her past back into the story and raising the stakes in a big way.

This sequel leans hard into the themes of power, identity, and choosing your own darkness. It’s gritty, emotional, and completely unhinged in the best way. If you loved the first Queen of the Damned, this one will sink its claws into you and refuse to let go. 🖤🔥
Profile Image for Ellie Meachem.
38 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
Wow. Let me always start by saying ***TRIGGER WARNINGS***
I think this book (&part 1) probably contained every trigger warning possible but if you can get past those you’re in for a wild, emotional ride.

I’ve read some pitch black books but going into part 2 of Queen of the Damned, I was already hooked on those boys & knew what I was letting myself in for. The utterly disgusting cliffhanger that Emily left us on (haha thanks for the heartbreak there Emily 😂) from part 1 was horrendous but said then I knew it was full of promise and boy did it fulfill.
I have laughed out loud.. I have bawled.. I have feared and sighed and you name it I think anyone who’s finished it, has felt it.
As with any of my reviews I don’t like giving away plot or spoilers but this book stunned me in one of the most profound ways. Yes it’s full of every trigger warning possible, smut, smut and more smut but it’s full of healing too and that’s what’s made these two books for me. If you are looking for something that’s probably quite frankly from the pits of hell itself but brings you into the light.. this is it. ***TRIGGER WARNINGS**
Profile Image for Mattie.
9 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
ARC REVIEW

Queen of the Damned: Part Two jumps right in where Part One leaves off, and you are immediately thrown into the thick of it. It was nice to learn more about each of the MMCs' backstories and their traumas, which made their actions and characteristics much clearer.
There was a good relationship progression between all the characters. Rory and Bri really begin to connect throughout the book, which surprised me since I wasn’t convinced it would happen after reading Part One. I particularly loved the relationship that unfolded between Jude and Vincent! If I had to pick a favourite character, it would be a hard toss-up between both Jude and Vincent.
However, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. I didn’t find it as dark as Part One, but nonetheless, make sure to check the trigger warnings!
Just like Part One, I did find there was some repetitiveness throughout the book, but again, I found it was due to telling 6 different POVs throughout. This is the main reason I have given it 4/5 stars.
Overall, I enjoyed this read, and if you enjoy a dark why-choose romance, give it a try!
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
45 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2026
I loved returning to Brielle’s story in Queen of the Damned Part 2! Sometimes you want to hate Rory, Raphael, Seth, Vincent, and Jude but they’re so devoted to their queen and each other, it’s hard to ever fully hate them. Emily Shore has a unique talent for breaking her characters even further without building them back up in a way that makes it feel like that’s exactly what everyone needed to heal.

They don’t try to fix her and she doesn’t fix them. She just shows them how her jagged pieces fit theirs so perfectly it was like they needed to absorb her scars to connect them in a way they never could before Brielle. And they were polyamorous before she came along. This is definitely *dark* but if you read a lot of dark romance, you’ll be okay. Always check the trigger menu, though!

Part 2 is just as entertaining and pulls you in just as much as Part 1. I love Emily Shore’s writing style and how she manages to make her books read almost like poetry. There’s always a lot of spice in her books but it’s not overdone and I didn’t feel like it ever took away from the plot itself.

I read an ARC but it did not bias my review.
Profile Image for NZmama.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This sequel somehow managed to go even darker… and I was completely obsessed.

Briella’s growth in this book is everything. She’s no longer just surviving, she’s stepping fully into her power, embracing her darkness, and becoming someone truly unstoppable. Watching her transformation was so satisfying.

And the Damned? Even more unhinged. Their obsession, loyalty, and twisted devotion to her is on another level. The dynamic between them all is intense, raw, and impossible to look away from.

The tension never lets up between the danger, the emotional pull, and the constant chaos, I was hooked the entire time. It’s gritty, violent, and unapologetically dark, but still has that strong thread of found family woven through it.

And I have to say I loved the HEA. After everything they go through, it felt so well deserved and honestly perfect for them.

If you loved the first book, this one takes everything up a notch. More darkness, more obsession, and a heroine who truly claims her crown. 🔥
Profile Image for frenchy_reads_all.
339 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2026
Yeah, so…just wow. After the ending of the first book, I needed some answers!!!! And I dang sure got them!!! Emily Shore delivered!! The second part of this duet was 🔥🔥.

Briella…she is mighty and resilient! The universe has tore her down in more ways than one but she has found to strength to get back up and keep going! Now the boys, whew! What a handful!! I mean how does one go about handling an actual psychopath? Really! Inquiring minds want to know!! Jude. I just love him! so strong and protective! Vinnie. The strong silent type, you know the type, hot as hades and can snap you like a twig! Seth. Such a golden retriever!! Loved him!! And Rory. He was a PHENOMENAL character!! I loved their verbal matches!!! But with all of this being said…my favorite character was 100% hands down…Pew Pew! I WANT ONE!! 😁😍

But for real…read this book, read this duet, read the whole series! Just tremendous! But beware the dark side, for it is pitch black in some areas!!! If that’s your style…ENJOY!!!
Profile Image for Leslie Soch.
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
First, and foremost - READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! Emily Shore writes pitch black dark romance (at least this series anyways).  Protect your mental well being and be aware of the triggers... there are a lot.
Now that that's out of the way.... it took me 9 (NINE) pages to be obsessed with this book!! I completed this 300+ page book in less than 12 hours, I could not put it down!  I started falling for these characters in book one... in book 2 I became obsessed!!  The attention to detail, the backstories, the redemption arcs (d@mn soc.io.p@th), the trauma, the love (yes legit love), and growing relationships.... Emily, has once again, created a world and story that you can immerse yourself in, and lose yourself in.  Brielle shares the most intimate and devastating parts of her, and he men (Jude, Vincent, Rory, Seth and Raphael) reciprocate with stories and growth of their own.  I cannot get enough and I am sad that this story is over... but I can always read it again!
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
491 reviews26 followers
March 8, 2026
I was lucky enough to read an early ARC of this. If you thought book 1 was a little unhinged, just wait until you read this. Check content warnings because I’m sure there are triggers galore in here.

Briella’s dark adventures with her five masked men continue. After an intensely soul baring evening, she and the guys -mostly- are lulled into what could almost pass as a normal existence… until Briella’s past catches up with her and leads to a series of events that even Raphael couldn’t fully expect.

It’s intense. It’s dark. It’s very emotional as the men share more of their story, Bri shares hers, and finds out they’re connected even more than she thought. The resurgence of her past also means Bri is thrown back into an old nightmare and forced to confront some serious fears and insecurities.

This was a JOURNEY. I was emotionally tired after reading it. The resilience of the human mind , body, and spirit when they have something to live for is truly astounding.
Profile Image for Kayla.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
I’m a firm believer in books finding me when I need them the most. I don’t read off my list, I read off of a feeling; a sense of knowing. With that said, Queen of the Damned was meant to find me at this point in my life. This isn’t just a story about a woman and five brutally hot, dangerous men. No, this is simply a story of growth, a rebirth, a resurrection of the main character and the reader. I cried, I laughed, I yelled, kicked my feet and swooned over every single one of them, especially Breilla. Not everyone is going to understand or even feel the depth of this book if you don’t resonate with the FMC, or the author for that matter. This isn’t a story for the faint of heart (there are plenty of warnings before the story starts). If you are truly ready to meet your own demons and rise above them through reading a story, this is the story I would recommend.

To quote Rory “Bloody Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” you are in for a wild ride.
Profile Image for Kayla Rose.
8 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished Queen of the Damned Part 2 and to say I’m obsessed is honestly an understatement. This book completely pulled me in and did not let go.

Going into it, I never expected Rory to become my favorite character. If you had told me that after Book 1, I would’ve laughed and said there’s no way. But wow I was so wrong. Rory absolutely stole the show for me in this one. His banter is top tier, and I found myself laughing out loud so many times. He brings such a unique energy to the story that made me love him even more with every chapter.

That being said, this book definitely leans much darker than the first. The romance is intense, gritty, and not for the faint of heart. I really recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand because it dives into some heavy themes.

Overall, this book had me hooked from beginning to end, and I’m already thinking about it nonstop. If you love dark romance with strong characters, emotional depth, and moments that will make you laugh and gasp at the same time, this is 100% worth the read.
Profile Image for Izzi.
44 reviews
March 28, 2026
Thank you to Emily Shore and BookFunnel for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Apologies again for this review coming after publish. Life got in the way again!

I absolutely loved every second of this book. The storyline still hasn’t failed to pull me in. Still love our five little monsters. Loved hearing their backstories in this second part. And of course, the SPOICE!! This had everything I felt was missing (personally) from Den of Vipers. Still loved that book, but I’m not a big fan of mafia. This is exactly what I was needing. I will absolutely read more of Emily Shore’s work in the future.

I did notice a couple of typos, but all were toward the end, and I’m not sure if this has been fixed for non-arc versions. Page 281, the word ‘and’ is missing the ‘a’. Page 346, a sentence just cuts off in the middle, no hyphen to cut it off. It just stops. And the first time Hulda’s name is said, it’s spelled ‘Huldah’, where the rest of the time it does not have the second ‘h’.
Profile Image for Sabrina  Leonard.
200 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
I don’t think it’s possible to love a book more than this one. I adored book one but this one is even a level above that.
There’s so much character development, we learn so much about why everyone is the way they are and feelings are explored, felt and displayed by people that thought themselves unable to do so. Even Rory got himself a redemption arc.
These men show Brielle that she is worth their effort and a part of them. They may show her that in ways some of us don’t understand but to them and to her, it’s an unforgettable lesson and binds them for life. Her past catches up to her though and her men have to push themselves in order to try and save their queen.
This book made me cry tears of anguish, anger, frustration and pure joy. I hate knowing the story is over and will miss them all.
This is a dark (very dark) romance and very spicy. Remember to check your triggers.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026
I’m glad the author split this book into 2 parts. The first book was somewhat dark, fantastic, and full of plot. The second part of this book was like releasing a trauma wave. It was much darker, had so much trauma, and wonderful plot. At the same time of giving you the trauma behind every scar it added new trauma but in a refreshing way as it showcased how resilient the FMC was and how supportive the MMCs were to help her through it. I loved how the character development didn’t stop after the initial few chapters, she wrote it throughout the book. If you have no triggers please read this book, I cant recommend this book enough. If you’re like me and use books to help overcome past abuse and feed off the resilience of the FMCs this book is for you. I will definitely be reading anything this author puts out for publication and will be reading other books she has out already!
Profile Image for Krystle Rayne McFadden.
107 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2026
Emily absolutely wrecked me with this one—and somehow put me back together again.

I didn’t think I could be more obsessed than I was after part one, but here we are. This book hit so much deeper. The emotion, the pain, the devotion… I felt every single moment of it.

And just a heads up—this is NOT a light read. It dives into heavy trauma, and it does not hold back. But that’s also what makes it so powerful.

Watching these five men completely worship her? Perfection. Every broken piece of them, every dark edge—it all comes together in such a beautifully chaotic way. And that twist in their past?? I did not see that coming.

There’s something hauntingly beautiful about how damaged they all are… and how, together, they somehow become whole.

This book consumed me in the best way. I already know I’ll reread it just trying to chase that same feeling again
Profile Image for Courtny Renee Taylor.
26 reviews
March 30, 2026
First of all—do NOT skip book one. Seriously. This throws you right back into Bri and her men’s chaotic lives with basically no hand-holding, so if you try to jump in here, you’re going to be confused. Just… don’t do it.

This one does have a happy ending, and in my opinion it wasn’t quite as dark as book one. Still intense, still messy, still dramatic—but not as heavy.

Raphael though… I really thought we were going to see more growth from him. He stayed pretty cold the whole time, and I was honestly expecting at least a little softening by the end. That part fell a bit flat for me.

Also, parts of the ending felt a little rushed. I wanted more time to really sit in those final moments instead of everything wrapping up so quickly.

Definitely check trigger warnings before going in—this series does not play around.

Overall, I still enjoyed it and was happy to be back in Bri’s world.
Profile Image for Travers.
224 reviews14 followers
March 31, 2026
cringe

DNF at 22% because:

1. Im bored, this one is just as boring as the first one
2. OMG she’s so special with her NATURAL PURPLE HAIR. Mind you this isn’t a fantasy or PNR. I can suspend reality for A LOT but if an author is writing a contemporary romance then they are subject to the natural laws like physics and biology at the very least, “…and my other hand reaching up for her curls. “Hasn’t faded all this time.” I pull the bun free until her purple-brown hair cascades all around me. “It won’t.” I breathe her in. “No bottle and weave.” She shakes her head. Fuck, she’s a wonder.” And purple-brown is not a hair color and the, I think AI, images of the characters at the beginning of every chapter show a woman with purple hair.
3. I cringe with how deep the writing tries to be.
Profile Image for Ange Wood.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 19, 2026
This is Part 2! If you enjoy dark romance, you'll enjoy this one. You should read Part 1 to understand how it started and it's amazing so it's not something you should skip to get to Part 2. Part 2 is more in depth, goes over the backgrounds of each character. The author did an amazing job with keeping the story line consistent! Love how she engaged us with each character's personality and how they are involved with one another! Rory grew on me the most. I'm sad that I finished the series but she did a great job with getting this the right amount of pages without it dragging. The ending was perfect! I'll definitely check out Emily Shore's books besides this series.
Worth reading this series for sure!
7 reviews
March 25, 2026
Okay... so when we left off from part one, Briella had run away and the guys were going after her... I have to admit, the world of hurt I thought she was in for did not play out how I expected, but I was not disappointed. Throughout this journey, the evolution of their relationships with each other was beautiful to "witness", and to be shocked at the first "I love you"- well that just caught me off guard, in a good way. There were moments where I almost put the book down, figuratively speaking, because I was scared this was not going to be a HEA (I go into every book hoping for the best but prepared for the worst) and there was a moment where I really expected the worst- but if you're looking for a HEA, you'll get it with this story. WHEW!
Profile Image for Smut Hut.
342 reviews42 followers
March 25, 2026
Great End To this Duet

Honestly thrilled I didn't have to wait long for this cliffhanger.......
I would have cried. Like WHO leaves us hanging like that 😕

Spoilers from book 1...
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After everything Briella went through the fact that she ran...... ugh. I get it. I do. Past trauma will ruin even the best relationship without the extra BS.
I have such a soft spot for Vincent now..... hes such a teddy bear.
Rory is the comedic relief
Jude is the nurturer.
Seth is the fixer.
Raphael. Oh Raphael. I kinda ended up liking him by the end but it took ALOT to get there.
The wrap up definitely answered questions and was an amazing end to a great story.
Profile Image for Willow Dugger-Thieschafer.
10 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
February 18, 2026
OMFG!!!! I just finished Queen of the Damned part 2 (Available 3/16) and I am absolutely wrecked. I laughed, I cried, I broke. It was sooo good! Definitely darker than part 1 but in the best possible way (definitely check the triggers). 15/10 for me on this one. From the moment I downloaded it I could not put it down, read it in 14 hours. I already loved Briella, but after reading this she has become one of my top 5 FMCs. Her strength is inspiring. As for the men? I cannot and will not ever be able to pick a favorite out of them. Raph, Jude, Vinny, Rory, and Seth are all permanently seared into my soul! Not sure I will ever recover, not sure I even want to.
Profile Image for Mina Babii.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 23, 2026
Baby baby baby baby let me tell you this book right here not for the faint of heart I was stuck to my phone the entire time reading from start to finish I was hooked!! Raphael is my monster now and I am his!! Emily not only shines a light on the darkness inside us all but she wraps us in her own darkness to show us we aren’t alone it’s okay to love what we love and be who we are you can find your Queen and be made whole and the ending ughh chefs kiss absolutely beautiful thank you so much Emily for this I feel seen and loved and whole and that means so much to all my dark and twistys!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1000/10
❤️❤️❤️❤️
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